Three Pipeline Convictions – Fines of $30K for Damage

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Convictions for pipeline damage in London, East Gwilimbury and Brampton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, January 9, 2018) – Three individual cases for damaging a gas pipeline, contrary to the Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Regulation (Ontario 210/01), lead to recent convictions in London, Newmarket and Brampton.

In Brampton, Dhanna Trucking began home renovation work at a residential house on Coachwhip Road in January 2015 and severed a natural gas pipeline while excavating, forcing natural gas to spew into the home. The gas eventually found a source of ignition and the house subsequently exploded, engulfing the area in fire; two occupants narrowly escaped, including an infant, who were treated for smoke inhalation and minor abrasions from broken glass.

A TSSA inspector examined the scene and determined that the sub-contractor had caused significant damage to the pipeline; Dhanna Trucking subsequently pled guilty in Court. Dhanna Trucking was fined $20,000 for causing damage to a pipeline, plus the mandatory 25% victim fine surcharge, for a total $25,000.

In London, Troy Kunz began yard work at a residential house on Silverfox Crescent in July 2015 and struck a natural gas pipeline while digging post holes, releasing gas to the atmosphere. Kunz pled guilty to causing damage to a natural gas pipeline and was fined $2,000, plus the mandatory 25% victim fine surcharge, for a total of $2,500.

In East Gwilimbury, Mr Chubb pled guilty to damaging a natural gas pipeline on his own property on Algonquin Forest Drive and was fined $2,000, plus the mandatory 25% victim surcharge, for a total of $2,500.

"Hitting a pipeline with pressurized gas is a significant risk to public safety," said John Marshall, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. "It can cause explosions and damage, such as in the Brampton case, and cause injury and death. That's why Ontario has stringent laws around pipeline safety, including the rule to obtain a locate before breaking ground and hand-digging within one metre of utility markings," added Mr. Marshall.

TSSA reminds the public that any excavation work must comply with Ontario's safety laws, including obtaining a valid pipeline locate from the license holder or gas utility before breaking ground and not using mechanical equipment while digging within one metre of a pipeline. Free locates can be obtained from Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 or visit http://on1call.com.

Ontario Regulation 210/01 prohibits interfering with or damaging a pipeline and any damage and/or subsequent release of gas should be immediately reported to the Ministry of Environment's Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or by contacting TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.